By Isle of Wight Observer
Age UK IW has met with Joe Robertson, MP for IW East, as part of its engagement with the Island’s parliamentary representatives.
The meeting last Friday followed an earlier visit from Richard Quigley, MP for IW West, meaning the charity has now briefed both MPs on the challenges facing older residents.
Chairman of trustees, Lorraine Buckman, chief officer, Maria Bunce, and marketing and digital communications officer, Joe Hodgkinson, outlined the organisation’s preventative services, including dementia support and digital inclusion, as well as wider issues such as ferry costs and pressures on social care.
The charity said engaging both MPs was vital to ensure older Islanders are represented across the two constituencies.
Maria said: “Securing the attention of both our MPs is a significant step forward. It allows us to present a united front in Westminster regarding the need for sustainable funding for social care.”
Mr Robertson added: “It was incredibly helpful to sit down with the team at Age UK Isle of Wight today. As a fully independent local charity, every penny they raise stays right here on the Island, and the scale and variety of the support they provide to our older residents is remarkable. I look forward to working together with them in the future.”
